Where we are going

With the news about Dovetail Games’ Flight Sim World (FSW) and Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D v4 (P3D v4) now circulating on the various forums, we want to update you on our plans for the future.

As it stands now and as key integration features our products require, P3D v4 is the way ahead for us at the level our users expect (novice, enthusiast, advanced cockpit builder).  Due to the early stages of FSW and certain key elements missing we are unable to give any indication on FSW development at this time. But, as you know, nothing about flight simulation is ever in concrete and who knows what the future might bring.

With flight simulation moving to 64-bit, we will no longer develop or supply updates for FS2004.  Of course, we will continue to provide forum support for those using our products with that platform. Current iFly products will continue to be compatible with FSX and FSX-SE, but over time new products will be aimed towards 64-bit platforms only.

To answer the question of the day:  yes, we will release versions of the iFly 737NG and the iFly 747-400/ -8i for P3D v4.  But we will not know how much time that will require until we actually have P3D v4 and the associated SDK.  So, at this moment, we cannot say when those iFly aircraft will be released.  When we know what is involved with P3D v4 compatibility, we will give you a general idea of our timeline.  However, as always, we will not announce a date certain until we know the new versions are almost ready for release to our users.

There will be no charge for the P3D v4 64-bit version upgrades of the iFly 737NG and the iFly 747-400/747-8i.  Also, the iFly 747-8i will be released as a Feature Pack for the 747-400 v2 at no charge.

Importantly, iFly software interaction with TCAS, IVAO/VATSIM and the iFly Advanced Autobrake system are dependent on FSUIPC. Without FSUIPC for the 64-bit environment, we will need to find an alternate means to provide those functions, or some of that capability may be lost.

The iFly development team is also working under contract on a commercial project.  Sorry, we cannot provide any details on that project.  That said, development will proceed in accordance with the following priority, with variations possible as time permits:

- 737NG 64-bit compiling

- Start of New Project coding

- 744 64-bit compiling in parallel with the new project coding

- Complete 747-8 code and compile in 64-bit

As you might expect with the small size of the development team, the commercial project now under contract has the highest priority.

You may notice there is no mention of any 747 F models in the priority list. To be perfectly candid, sales of the iFly 747-400 simply do not justify the time required to develop, test and release freighter models.

Oh, what new project I hear you asking ?  Sorry, but that project will be announced at a future time.

Flight1 and iFly value your business and appreciate your membership in this family of flight simulation enthusiasts.  We will do our best to keep you informed as visibility on the future becomes clearer, and the Team will continue to develop the highest quality aircraft simulations for your enjoyment.

Happy iFlying!

UPDATE EDIT:
http://ifly.flight1.net/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=15437&title=25-jun-17-p3d-v4-progress-report

737NG Released:
http://ifly.flight1.net/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=15463&title=737ng-for-p3d-v4-64bit-released